Hotel Security: How to Optimise It

Running a hotel business is a lucrative move towards financial success down the road, however, it's not without its drawbacks. As with any business venture in the hospitality industry, no matter how much you invest in guest safety, there are still vulnerable areas where you can improve and stricter policies you can enforce to prevent thefts, break-ins, fraud, and numerous other crimes from happening.

Hotel security can mean the difference between acquiring returning customers and potential guests choosing a safer option. Bottom line is, your guests should not be thinking about their safety; that is your job and the responsibility of your hotel to provide. Here is how you can efficiently optimize hotel security.

Invest in surveillance software

It's not easy operating in the dark, so the first thing you want to do is to obtain a pair of eyes that will allow you to monitor the activity in your hotel, and catch any illegal activity should it occur. Be sure to position cameras in the entryway, the reception desk, the hallways and the elevators.

This will not only help your guests feel safer, but it will also discourage anyone who's up to no good to proceed with their plan. Likewise, it will give you a clear overview and allow you to keep a tight ship the guests will want to board.

Hold regular security meetings

Security meetings should be the staple of your customer safety efforts. Held daily during your regular staff meeting in the morning, you want the representatives from your security department there to brief you on the latest events, especially what transpires during the night shift.

Moreover, you want to use these meetings to familiarize yourself with any potential weak points you might have in your security system, and improve where needed. You will also get the opportunity to strategize your next move should a situation arise.

Upgrade the locks

One of the most important aspects of hotel security is lock quality, durability, and upkeep. The hotel room lock is the last line of defence against assailants and thieves. That's why you should not only adhere to regular maintenance, but you also want to upgrade your locking system across the board.

Likewise, make sure you keep a reliable 24-hour locksmith on speed dial to address any problems as soon as they arise. From lock malfunctions to replacements and upgrades, and even fixing the locks after a break-in, having a locksmith who can come at a moment's notice is imperative.

Improve constantly

Trial and error breed success, but only if you work hard to improve on your past mistakes. Unfortunately, incidents are bound to happen, especially if you are running a thriving business and a brand that has gained in popularity. So make sure you always think of new ways you can improve your customer's safety.

Meet your customers

One of the most effective ways to keep a close eye on what's going around in your hotel is to meet your guests. This tactic might seem outdated, but it's time-tested, and it works. This is not only a chance for you to check out the type of people staying at your hotel, but it's also a chance to ask them if there is anything you can do to improve their overall experience.

Prevent cyber attacks

Nowadays, cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent than ever, and you want to ensure your guests' data is protected from malicious activity. To this end, you want to form an IT department that will work on improving the hotels cyber security, and be on call to help your guests with any IT related issues. This will help you provide a better service, and increase your brand's reputation.

Do background checks of your staff

Finally, you need a reliable staff by your side to make all of the aforementioned tactics work. Make sure you perform background check of all of your staff, especially your new employees and recent applicants. This way, you will be able to prevent any criminals from infiltrating your business and elevate the overall security of your hotel.

Running a hotel business is a rewarding venture, one that will pay off greatly if you invest time and resources in creating a safe environment for your staff, and your guests alike. Be sure to follow these essential tips and you will have no problem optimising your hotel's security, and paving the road to long-term success.

Lillian Connors
Senior Digital Marketing Strategist
Bizzmark